City set for series of movies in park

The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is gearing up for its series of summer movies at Rotary Park on the heels of a successful “Dive-In Movie” event in March.

Recreation Specialist Robin Harden said a few dozen high school students turned out for the showing of “Jaws” in March at the Kirksville Aquatic Center indoor pool. She hopes the event can become an annual occurrence, perhaps targeting middle school students as the audience in the future.

“It was definitely a good start for something like that,” she said.

The process of bringing movies to the public is far from easy. The City works with the region’s distribution company, Swank Motion Pictures, and selects movies from available choices. Release date and overall success of a film dictates cost for a license to show the movie, as does the amount charged to attendees.

By keeping the event free to the public, the City is charged less for each film. “Jaws” cost about $250, Harden said, noting partnerships and donations could help expand the potential film offerings.

There are other considerations, including blackout dates ordered by Disney on their movies. Harden said the “Dive-In Movie” first choice was “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but because Disney had a movie released in theaters nationwide, they were not permitted to screen the film.

The City is also not allowed to issue any materials promoting the names of the films they will show. All they can provide are times and dates for events like the summer movie series, which this year will fall on June 29, July 27 and August 24.

Names of films can be released via private publications, and the Daily Express has learned the slate will be “The Lorax,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “The Muppets,” respectively.

Children’s movies tend to draw higher attendance, and at a cost of about $300 each, they give the department more value for money spent. Costs are always a concern, and Kirksville has saved money, Harden said, thanks to Recreation Specialist Heather Darrah, who thanks to her theater background was able to construct a viable screen and sound system, avoiding expenses for a professional outdoor theater company.

The programs also make use of the Ray Klinginsmith Amphitheater, Harden said.

“It’s a great asset to the community and a great way to utilize it,” she said.